Restaurant Manager
Restaurant managers plan, organize, direct and control the operation of establishments in which food and beverages are served.
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In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
The specific duties performed by restaurant managers depend on the nature of the establishments they manage. In general, restaurant managers:
In large restaurants or hotel chains, restaurant managers may delegate many tasks to other employees, such as assistant managers or executive chefs. Smaller restaurants may combine the positions of executive chef and restaurant manager. In fast food restaurants and other food service facilities, restaurant managers may have several assistant managers, each of whom supervises a different shift.
The working conditions for restaurant managers vary as much as the establishments they operate. Evening and weekend work is common. The work can be hectic during peak dining hours. Dealing with customer complaints or problem employees can be stressful.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in co-ordinating information to direct, control and evaluate the operation of food and beverage service establishments, to implement and modify operational procedures, to assign staff duties and to oversee staff training
Interest in setting work schedules, monitoring staff performance, controlling inventory and ensuring that health and safety regulations are followed
Interest in negotiating arrangements with suppliers for food and other materials, and with clients for catering and use of facilities for banquets and receptions
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Restaurant managers need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 336 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 21, 2024 and Dec 20, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
Tasks: Address customers' complaints or concerns | 316 |
---|---|
Tasks: Ensure health and safety regulations are followed | 278 |
Tasks: Determine type of services to be offered and implement operational procedures | 232 |
Tasks: Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate daily operations | 207 |
Tasks: Conduct performance reviews | 201 |
Tasks: Provide customer service | 187 |
Tasks: Organize and maintain inventory | 182 |
Construction Specialization: Team player | 165 |
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years | 152 |
Construction Specialization: Organized | 150 |
The best background for restaurant managers is a combination of experience, education and certification in the field. Computer skills (for working with point-of-sale systems) and the ability to speak a second language are definite assets.
It is still possible to work from the bottom up in restaurant management if on-the-job training is supplemented with further education. Some large restaurant chains sponsor their own management training programs. However, employers may prefer to hire applicants who already have related post-secondary education.
Restaurant managers need good working knowledge of food preparation and wines. The following organizations offer introductory to advanced courses in wines and spirits at various locations across Canada: International Sommelier Guild (ISG) and Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET).
All staff involved in the sale and service of liquor in licensed premises (for example, owners, managers and supervisors, retailers, bartenders and servers, greeters and hosts, and security staff) must have ProServe Liquor Staff Training. This is a provincial training program designed to ensure liquor service and sales activities are conducted with integrity and in a socially responsible manner. ProServe is available online, as a self-directed program of home study using a video and a manual, or by seminar.
In Alberta, food safety courses are offered by:
Visit the Government of Alberta website or contact 780-427-7164 for a listing of approved food safety training options.
The Government of Alberta awards a Food Sanitation and Hygiene Certification to those who complete approved training and achieve at least 70% on a provincial exam. Food facilities generally employ at least 1 person who is certified. Where 6 or more people are working on site, at least one person present must be certified. Where fewer people are working on site, the certified person may be absent.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
However, Tourism HR Canada (formerly the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council or CTHRC) offers 2 certifications through the emerit website for food and beverage managers on a voluntary basis. These include:
The Food and Beverage Manager certification leads to the Tourism Certified Manager (TCM) designation, while the Food and Beverage Management International certification leads to the Certified International Foodservice Management (CIFM) designation. Both are accessible from the emerit website.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most restaurant managers are employed in privately owned restaurants, clubs and hotels. Many own their establishments.
Restaurant managers who have related post-secondary education usually advance relatively quickly and may qualify for further advancement to district manager and top executive positions in large organizations. Or, they may move into sales representative positions for food service supply companies or become managers of private clubs.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Restaurant and food service managers
2016 NOC: 0631
94.5% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for restaurant managers vary a great deal depending on the size, location and volume of business of the restaurant. Incomes for restaurant managers who own their own restaurants vary even more widely.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
---|---|---|---|---|
Starting | $15.10 | $31.25 | $20.86 | $19.95 |
Overall | $16.50 | $39.12 | $25.13 | $23.80 |
Top | $18.00 | $60.10 | $32.88 | $27.78 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
ALL INDUSTRIES | $51,150 |
---|---|
Manufacturing | $0.00 |
Information, Culture, Recreation | $54,889 |
Educational Services | $64,466 |
Health Care & Social Assistance | $57,054 |
Accommodation & Food Services | $50,891 |
Public Administration | $63,865 |
Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals website: cafp.ca
emerit website: emerit.ca
National Restaurant Association [United States] website: www.restaurant.org
ProServe Liquor Staff Training website: proserve.aglc.ca
Restaurants Canada website: www.restaurantscanada.org
Tourism HR Canada website: tourismhr.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.